Running a farm can be hard work, but there’s nothing that compares to the feeling of being self-sufficient and helping to provide for your community.

From raising grass-fed cattle to growing tropical flowers and produce, there are plenty of opportunities on Maui to invest in agricultural properties. Along with the perks that come with working in the sun and the fresh air is the fact that you’re also helping the community become more sustainable.

For the sake of boosting your mental health and the health of the 'aina, here are a few farms and ranches properties ready to be your next agricultural adventure.

UPCOUNTRY NURSERY

Located on the slopes of Haleakala, this 27-acre property is home to Howard’s Nurseries, one of Hawaii’s top

Island Sotheby’s International Realty agent Ryan MacLaughlin represented the sellers of the three-bedroom, three-bathroom home. Located in the heart of Wailea, the 3,400-square-foot single-level home looks out to panoramic views of Maui’s azure south coast.

“It boasts unobstructed 180-degree views,” said MacLaughlin. “The lot was chosen by the original owner specifically because of those views.”

With seemingly endless vistas of the clear, blue waters of the Pacific oceans and colorful South Maui sunsets, the indoor-outdoor floor plan leads residents from the comforts of the indoors to spa and pool surrounded by tropical foliage. Perched directly atop the 17th

For some Maui locals, this may come to no surprise: Kula has been named the best place to escape to in Hawaii.

The travel website Expedia recently published a list of the best places in each state that offer peaceful retreats and great places to relax. From quaint small towns to nature preserves, the travel site picked its favorite places where people can go to enjoy tranquility and quiet while being surrounded by pristine nature.

The travel site emphasized locations where visitors can go to recharge and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In Hawaii, Expedia’s top pick was Kula, a rural town that sweeps across the slopes of Haleakala.

This Upcountry ranch spans 3,285 acres over some of the most pristine forests and rollings

This rare, coastal estate is literally 70 steps from a white, sandy beach and just 67 steps to the palm trees and lawn of Mama’s Fish House, one of Maui’s most famed restaurants. The four-bedroom, five-bathroom home is offered at $10 million and is one of the rare estates located on the beach, just minutes one of Maui’s most famous windsurfing beaches - Ho’okipa.

“Properties like this just don’t exist anymore,” said Island Sotheby’s International Realty agent Karla Aguera, who is representing the seller.

The home is nestled among a handful of other oceanfront estates, but is one of the only properties with a stretch of white-sand beach in its backyard, said

As record-breaking cold temperatures swept across the nation on New Year’s Eve, the vast majority of the county bundled up and prepared their families, homes and pets for freezing temperatures. But here on Maui, that was far from the case.

There’s no doubt Maui is the best place to escape chilly winter weather, where residents and visitors can enjoy a temperate, tropical climate year round. Fortunately for those who want to escape from cooler climates on the mainland, there are hundreds of units across the island that provide a low-maintenance vacation home perfect for all seasons.

Whenever you're ready to flee the mainland's harsh winter weather, these condominiums are waiting for you. Here are a few of our favorites: